5 Businesses making a difference with sustainable practices

Most of us know the importance of conserving energy and other resources in our own homes. Relatively simple adjustments in our daily lives like installing solar panels and separating recyclable items from the trash have become sustainability staples in our homes. Although our efforts are undeniably important, perhaps the biggest impact to be made in terms of energy conservation can be made by major corporations.

Due to the massive amounts of energy they use to fuel daily operations, big businesses must get on board with the trend toward renewable energy for them to be successful. Fortunately, there are many businesses working toward a more ecofriendly platform for daily operations.

Here are five major corporations working to reduce their eco footprints.

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1. Dannon

The Dannon Company started making serious strides in corporate sustainability back in 2009. The company saves fuel and cuts emissions by producing cups and bottles close to the place where they are filled. They also work to receive fresh milk from local producers close to their plants to cut down on transportation. In addition to these efforts, 95 percent of Dannon products are transported in reusable wood pallets which are sourced from renewable, re-plantable forests.

2. TD Bank

According to TD Bank’s sustainability page on the company website, the key areas of focus for their sustainability efforts are:

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Improving energy efficiency

Reducing paper use

Reducing waste volumes and water use

Greening their supply chain

Some of TD’s efforts have included improved videoconference options to cut down business travel, the launch of employee awareness campaigns to encourage energy-saving behavior in the workplace, and the implementation of green IT programs to reduce the demand of energy from company technology.

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3. Ikea

Ikea has committed to using as much renewable energy as it consumes by 2020. The company is already energy independent in the Nordic area, consuming less energy than it produces.

Ikea has also realized that its consumers are interested in doing their part in reducing energy emissions. This is why the company is working on creative product offerings that can make living a green lifestyle easier. The company switched all of its lighting products over to LED and has also started selling solar panels in some countries.

4. Coca Cola

The Coca Cola Company has set the hefty goal of moving 100 percent of its energy consumption to renewable energy by 2020. By the end of 2016, the company expects to have 40 percent of its energy consumption controlled by renewable sources. Representatives say that Coca Cola plans to work with energy suppliers over the next few years to identify options for renewable energy sources in each of their plant locations.

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Although they have yet to announce specific details on the renewable energy resources they will be using in this plan, we’ve seen companies in the UK using renewable energy for refrigeration and companies in the US switching to solar for storing drink and food items. These would be likely options for the steps Coca Cola will take in securing renewable energy sources for its operations in similar locations.

5. Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs has also set the goal of switching 100 percent of its energy consumption to renewable energy sources in 2016. In 2012, the company set a 10-year target to deploy $40 billion of capital in financing and investment to scale up clean energy globally. The company has since mobilized more than $33 billion for solar, smart grid, wind, and other clean energy sources.

So there you have it, five awesome companies working to build a brighter, more sustainable future for big business. For more information on how you can build a more sustainable lifestyle at home, check out this guide by Vladimir Zivanvoic on Lifehack.

Is It Necessary To Follow Traffic Rules?

On a daily basis, we constantly hear news about different forms of road accidents, either because of some stupid drivers who recklessly drives their vehicle, over-speeding, and the list goes on. The dumbest mistakes people ever make we put all the blame to our government – for providing insufficient funds to spend with road widening, infrastructure upgrades, better traffic system, and best walkie-talkie[1] or radar speed gun for law enforcement. The lack of employment, low quality of education, corruption, sudden increase of necessity prices, and the unfinished road construction projects. Sometimes, we, as citizens, often forget that we also play a very important role in the chain process, and thus we should not put all the blame to our government.

Common Sense

There is no point denying that it is actually the government’s role to provide us good road and road signs. But if citizens do not actually follow these traffic rules as the basis of standards, how can they ever guarantee our safety? Yes, you may excuse yourself for not knowing the standard safety measures, but come on! We are not children anymore. Simple 1-2-3’s and a little common sense will do.

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Motorcycles

Owning a car or a motorcycle is great; it helps keep us on track in our fast paced lives. But, if we do not abide by the simple safety driving procedures, you definitely are at risk. In 2012, Los Angeles County alone, 59% motorcyclists were killed. This is more than 2010. And by 2013, California ranked third for motorcycle fatalities.[2] Thus, it is very important to buckle up your belts, wear your helmet and follow the traffic lights and other street signs. They serves as a warning. There could be some dangerous road ahead or any untoward incidences, and once you will not follow this and take proper precaution, trouble always meet you ahead, either a severe accident or a police honking you to pull over. And you know what will happen next.

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Walking

People who lives some blocks away from their workplace usually prefer to take a walk instead of driving their vehicle. This could save them a considerable amount of money on fuel. Plus it is a great way to exercise. Even so, although you are simply walking, it still is important to follow the road traffic signs. Wait for the green signal before crossing the lane, no matter if you are in a hurry or not. A lot of road accidents happen because some passersby merely doesn’t follow the traffic light signals. Also, do not forget to walk only in between the white lanes, or the so-called pedestrian lines.

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Final Thoughts

The issues and problems on the roads will never be resolve and forever will stay unless the citizens truly realize how necessary it is to follow traffic rules and regulations. As drivers, we are suppose to stay on our right lane, steer at the right speed, and follow every traffic sign. As pedestrian walkers, we are expected to cross at the right place, at the right time. If each party cooperates, we can achieve a harmonious flow of traffic.

Of course, we all live in an era where all of us are in a hurry and one simply cannot afford to waste time. But, being hasty can bring a lot more trouble and can basically cause more delay. There is no mad science to resolve road accidents or to keep ourselves safe and secure while on the streets. It all depends if all of us will submit to the traffic rules the government has set before us.